Thread by @LawrenceGostin

Explaining SCOTUS decision upholding CDC #EvictionMoratorium

CDC has power only to prevent the spread of infectious diseases across state or int'l borders

It has never before sought to regulate beyond traditional ph powers like testing, masking, quarantine 1X

The Public Health Service Act does not specifically grant CDC the power to regulate in areas like housing

But CDC argued that people evicted during #COVID19 would travel to other states, spreading the virus

CDC used strong evidence for its assessment of interstate spread

A conservative majority on the Court could easily have curtailed CDC power, even in a crisis

Were it not for Roberts & Kavanaugh, SCOTUS would have invalidated the ban, and also dealt CDC a major blow

That would have been a problematic for dealing with the next health crisis

While the Supreme Court gave CDC got a big win, Kavanaugh would have struck down the #EvictionMoratorium if CDC had not pledged to end it on July 31

That limits the value of the Court's ruling as a precedent

Kavanaugh said Congress would have to expand CDC powers if it wanted to keep the eviction moratorium in place

Yes, Congress should expand ph powers & funding

Learning the lessons of COVID, Congress should grant CDC emergency powers & sustainably fund public health at the federal, state & local level

That's the best way to prepare for the next pandemic